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In a statement Thursday afternoon, Disney and Lucasfilm said that "Episode VII," which will be directed by J.J. Abrams, will open in theaters on December 18, 2015.

"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for 'Star Wars: Episode VII,'" Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn said in the statement, "where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."